The tyrannical Harpagon domineers his family with his notorious meanness, which has made him a laughing-stock in society. His conflict with his children reaches a peak when he learns that his son is in love with the young woman that he himself intends to marry. Meanwhile, his daughter refuses to marry the rich but elderly man chosen for her by her father. With no solution in sight, an unexpected revelation provides a way out. But can Harpagon be cured of his avarice?